Zhejiang and Enterprise (Book One)

Confessions (2)

What Actually Happened

Enterprise's POV:

I make it to the pier just in time to see Zhejiang fall off the edge of the pier and into the water. Even with her back turned to me, I can tell she's unconscious and waste no time, screaming at the girls closest to her to jump in after her. Before they can react, however, a low rumbling sound draws our attention to the water. 

As we all pause, watching, waiting, Zhejiang's carrier bursts out from underwater. It rises with such force that for a brief moment it's suspended in the air, weightless, before plummeting back towards the water. The impact sends a small tidal wave washing over the pier which pushes us all inland. It doesn't do much damage to us or nearby buildings but by the time we recover from the initial push, her ship is nowhere to be seen. 

Scanning the harbour, I start panicking as it becomes clear that she's indeed no longer there. I'm about to break down once more when Yorktown and Jiangsu arrive. George and the others arrive shortly after them and together, we begin searching the surroundings for any sign of her. 

It's Jiangsu who finds her first, using her radar she manages to locate her miles offshore. I have no idea how she got there that quickly but as we draw closer, it becomes clear that a battle is taking place. Even before her ship appears on the horizon, the explosive sounds of battle can be heard. 

Sensing she's in danger, I charge ahead of the others only to find her under attack by SIRENS. Though, even as I charge in to assist, I can't tell whether they are attacking her or defending themselves. 

George: Enterprise, Wait!

George's voice reaches me in time to alert me to the impending danger but it surprises me so much that I'm unable to move. I can only stand, frozen in place, as the round flies my way.

BOOOOOM!

Opening my eyes reveal George in front of me. She's panting but seems otherwise unhurt and yet I can't help the feeling that washes over me. She saved me...

George: It's not safe to close in right now. Her ship is firing at anything that moves within a set distance.

Looking closely, I realise that she's correct. The few mass-produced SIRENS caught within range of her turrets are gunned down regardless of whether they attempt to attack or flee. I was so blinded by emotion that I had overlooked what was happening entirely. She doesn't need my help. How foolish of me to think otherwise. This is Zhejiang I'm thinking of. 

As my mind settles on just watching, for now, I can't help the smile that crosses my face. To think I fell in love with her so quickly. Just thinking about it now I can't help but fathom why. After all, her personality should've created a barrier between us but instead, here we are. 

Jiangsu: Where is she? 

Jiangsu arrives and immediately begin searching for her big sister. It reminds me of how I used to be with Yorktown when we were all smaller. Another smile crosses my lips but as I watch her motions become more frantic, it occurs to me that we really haven't seen any sign of her sister. We've only seen the ship in action.

Turning, my eyes confirm this as the last SIREN within its range gets disabled and its turrets fall silent. The entire fight, Zhejiang didn't even attempt to transform a single time and even as it draws to an end now, she doesn't begin making her way towards us. Surely she'd have noticed our group by now. 

I contemplate going in to check if she's inside her ship but George somehow manages to tell what I'm thinking and quickly reminds me and everyone else that her ship will still fire at us regardless of who we are. Despite her warning, Jiangsu charges ahead the minute she hears that her sister might be on the ship. To our dismay, the turrets immediately begin firing as soon as they detect her presence but unlike me, she doesn't hesitate. Instead, she makes easy work of dodging the incoming rounds and before long she's jumping onto her sister's deck.

Jiangsu: [She needs help!]

George: [You've found her?]

Jiangsu: [Yes! She's not waking up!]

Hearing this, the rest of us all rush forward, forgetting the turrets entirely but to our surprise, they don't fire. With us not needing to defend or dodge, we quickly reach her location and as we arrive on the ship, I immediately make a beeline for her. Scooping her into my arms, I find her body limp and unmoving. 

Me: [Vestal, hurry!]